Trigger warning: Mention of suicide
Television personality Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza touched Filipinos’ hearts as he shared a story of his late daughter, Emmanuelle “Emman” Atienza, and her generosity toward their household help.
READ: ‘Ball of sunshine’: Sympathies, prayers pour in after passing of Emman Atienza
During the last night of Emman’s wake, the TV host delivered his eulogy on Tuesday, November 4, at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.
In his tribute, Kim described his youngest child as kindhearted and generous, remembering how Emman would often “give away” money to those in need.
“Alam niyo, Emman was so generous to a fault. She had no value for money. She would ask money from Mama, ask money from Papa, ask money from Lolo, to give away,” he narrated.
“Lolo” refers to former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Emman’s grandfather.
“One time, it was Christmas, and her Lolo, my dad, was very generous to all the apos. He gave each apo a sizable amount for them to save or for the parents to use for their education. It was quite sizable. And Emman, it was given to Emman,” Kim said.
“And then a few days after Christmas, I talked to Emman and Emman was so proud. Emman told me, ‘Papa, I gave P30,000 to the driver, I gave P20,000 to Alicia, I gave P10,000 to our gardener. And they were crying, tears of joy,'” he recounted.
“I said, ‘Emman, they cry because they never received anything that big in their life. But I wanna tell you that I’m not gonna tell your mom because your mom will get very pissed. But I wanna say that I am so proud of you,'” Kim said.
“That’s my Emman, she’s so generous to a fault,” the patriarch added.
The moment was shared by Pilipino Star Ngayon Digital on its Facebook page, quickly going viral with 38,000 likes and reactions and over 100 comments from Filipinos touched by the eulogy.
“Such a big lost to humanity with such a great soul. I never saw Emman as a Nepo baby, [as] told by those internet bullies. What I knew about her is that how Kuya Kim [praised] her as being a witty kid before in a video, where Kuya Kim shared Emman’s achievements. Rest well, sweetheart,” a Facebook user said.
“Sobrang bait niya, kaya parang hindi niya kayang i-consume ‘yung rudeness ng ibang tao… ‘yung akala mo napakaganda ng mundo at lahat ay mabubuting tao pero sa kabila ng kabutihang ipinapasa mo sa iba, makaka-encounter ka ng masasamang tao… maybe that’s too much for her,” another wrote.
“She is too good for this cruel, cruel world. Rest easy, Emman,” a different Pinoy said.
“Grabe, napakabait na tao [niya], na-appreciate [niya] ‘yung mga nag-wo-work para sa family nila..” another commented.
Emman passed away by suicide at her home in Los Angeles last October.
She was the youngest daughter of Kim and Felicia Hung, an educator and conservationist.
Emman was a content creator and social media personality known for her lifestyle posts, passion for rock climbing, and candid discussions on important issues, particularly mental health awareness.
She had openly shared her struggles with mental health prior to her passing.
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If you or someone you know needs help, the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline can be reached through the following hotlines: toll-free Luzon-wide landline (1553), Globe/TM (0966-351-4518 and 0917-899-8727), or Smart/Sun/TNT (0908-639-2672).
